Hotel Sorrento
By Hannie Rayson
2006 National Tour
March 24 – July 16, 2006-15 week tour to 48 venues in VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, WA, SA, TAS
Nunawading, Traralgon, Ringwood, Pakenham, Warburton, South Morang, Swan Hill, Echuca, Bayswater, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Yarram, Sale, Dandenong, Ballarat, Camperdown, Werribee, Moonee Ponds, Gosford, Tuggeranong, Horsham, Colac, Hamilton, Portland, Lismore, Brisbane, Redcliffe, Ipswich, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tenterfield, Coffs Harbour, Penrith, Orange, Nambour, Bundaberg, Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie, Margaret River, Mandurah, Thornlie, Albany, Adelaide, Devonport & Hobart.
A production by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
HIT Productions, Australia’s Premier Theatre Touring Company, has reached the NSW leg of its successful 15 week national tour of the award-winning play Hotel Sorrento which will be presented at Gundagai, Narrabri, Tenterfield, Coffs Harbour, Penrith and Orange before moving on to Qld, WA, SA and Tasmania.
Hotel Sorrento draws the audience into the story of three sisters who reunite after 10 years apart. The dramas that eventuate lead to some emotion charged family dynamics.
Written by Hannie Rayson, Hotel Sorrento features cast members John Flaus, Celia de Burgh, Jane Nolan and Beverley Dunn (Bellbird) along with Kevin Harrington (Neighbours), Marcella Russo (Neighbours), Roger Oakley (Home and Away), and Jared Daperis (Round the Twist).
This new production has a more edgier and contemporary feel. Hotel Sorrento is directed by Bruce Myles who has had a distinguished career and recently directed Wallflowering for HIT Productions. The set and costume design is by Judith Cobb, with the lighting design created by Glenn Hughes.
Director Bruce Myles said, “Hannie Rayson said she wanted to, ‘create a sweet pensive sadness to pervade the experience as there is something delectable about melancholy which seems to alter the way we see things.’ This is the tone in the writing she has captured exquisitely, and is the great attraction of the play for me.”
Reviews
“(Hotel Sorrento)….has power in it’s depiction of a family in crisis, forced into self-examination…..there are some heroic and effective individual performances.”
Helen Thomson, The Age, VIC, 03/06
“HIT Productions have lived up to their name with their touring production of Hannie Rayson’s introspective Hotel Sorrento…an excellent production; professional, evocative and engaging.”
Allen Dickson, The Blurb, 03/06
“All the actors – formed a team of great strength, lifting the play off the stage and into our heads and hearts.”
Frank McKone, Canberra Times, ACT 05/06
“Eight film and television identities…pull out a heart-warming tale of one family’s struggle with loyalty and self-expression…brilliantly woven…”
Debra Bela, Courier Mail, QLD 05/06
“Rayson puts all the issues out there, and explores the corners of the human heart…a sentimental journey”
Matt Byrne, Courier Mail, QLD 05/06
Cast
Hilary: Celia De Burgh
Marge: Beverley Dunn
Troy: Jared Daperis
Wal: John Flaus
Dick: Kevin Harrington
Meg: Jane Nolan
Edwin: Roger Oakley
Pippa: Marcella Russo
Creatives
Playwright: Hannie Rayson
Director: Bruce Myles
Designer: Judith Cobb
Lighting Designer: Glenn Hughes
Composition: Andrew Pendlebury